Buying and selling Goldvreneli coins: 
Information, advice, and interesting facts about Goldvreneli coins

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On this page you will find:

• History of the Goldvreneli and general information ↓
• Goldvreneli coins worth 10 francs, 20 francs, and even 100 francs ↓
• The performance of the Goldvreneli ↓
• Spezifikationen des Goldvreneli ↓
• Specifications of the Goldvreneli ↓
• The Goldvreneli offers these advantages ↓
• Consultation ↓

History of the Goldvreneli

The Swiss 20 franc gold coin, popularly known as the “Goldvreneli,” is undoubtedly the best-known and probably also the most beautiful and popular gold coin in Switzerland. It was minted between 1897 and 1949 and is still very popular today among investors, collectors, and as a gift (for example, for births, baptisms, birthdays, Christmas, confirmations, employee gifts, and much more).

In 1897, the 20-franc gold Vreneli replaced the so-called “Helvetia” (minted between 1883 and 1896), the first gold coin of the Swiss Confederation to be issued on a large scale and used as legal tender. The coin was designed by Fritz Ulysse Landry, a Swiss medallist and sculptor from the canton of Neuchâtel. The name “Vreneli” is derived from “Verena”, a traditional Swiss female name that was often used to personify Switzerland and also appears in literature and song lyrics. The Vreneli belongs to the series of Swiss gold coins, which also includes the 10 franc (minted between 1911 and 1922) and 100 franc (minted exclusively in 1925) denominations and complied with the specifications of the Latin Monetary Union (LMU).

Below, we would like to give you an overview of the history and characteristics of these three important Swiss gold coins.

The Swiss Gold Vreneli

Swiss gold coins worth 10, 20, and 100 francs

10 franc gold Vreneli (minted between 1911 and 1922)
The 10 franc Vreneli is the little sister of the famous 20 franc Goldvreneli and was minted a total of 2.65 million times between 1911 and 1922. The mintage figures are comparatively low, with only the 1922 vintage being an exception, with over 1 million copies issued. This makes the 10-franc Vreneli a sought-after collector's item. The 1911 vintage in particular is traded at significantly higher prices due to its low mintage. Thanks to its limited mintage, the 10-franc Vreneli is an attractive collector's coin and a stable investment.

Buy & sell 10 Swiss franc Goldvreneli/Vreneli coins …
 

20 franc Goldvreneli (minted between 1897 and 1949)
The 20 franc gold Vreneli was minted by the Federal Mint in Bern from 1897 onwards as the successor to the 20 franc Helvetia and is the best known and most popular Swiss gold coin. A total of over 58.6 million coins were minted between 1897 and 1949. It was legal tender until 1936, after which it became a sought-after investment and collector's coin. It combines artistic aesthetics with historical and material value and is highly prized by both investors and collectors. 

Buy & sell 20 franc gold coins …
 

100 Swiss franc gold Vreneli (minted in 1925)
The 100-franc Gold Vreneli was issued in 1925 with a mintage of only 5,000 coins. However, around 1,500 coins were reportedly melted down again shortly afterwards. Until July 2025, it was the largest Swiss gold coin.

Performance of the Goldvreneli

Due to the rising price of gold over recent years, the Goldvreneli has shown stable value growth and has quickly established itself as a popular and flexible investment. Originally in circulation as a means of payment, the collector's value of rare vintages is now in some cases significantly higher than the material value. The 100 franc coin from 1925, the 20 franc coin from 1926, and the 10 franc coin from 1911 are now considered collector's items.

Specifications of the Goldvrenelis

Below, we provide an overview of the most important specifications of the 20 and 10 franc Goldvreneli coins, which we also carry in our portfolio, including size, weight, and fineness.

Frequently asked questions about Goldvreneli coins (FAQ)

Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about the Goldvreneli. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
 

I own Goldvreneli coins. Should I keep them or sell them?
The performance of the Goldvreneli has been very positive in the past. Collector and investment coins such as the Goldvreneli have steadily increased in value over the years due to the rise in the price of gold. In rare years, i.e., years in which the number of coins issued was comparatively low, the coins may also have additional collector's value. 

Of course, it is impossible to make a reliable prediction about future price developments, as the value depends on various factors such as the price of gold and collector demand.

However, gold coins generally offer a solid opportunity to diversify your investment portfolio. In their physical form as gold coins, they are independent of fluctuations in other asset classes and can therefore offer a certain degree of protection against inflation and economic uncertainty. Holding them for the long term could therefore be a sensible move, especially if you are looking for a stable addition to your portfolio.

How is the value of the Goldvreneli linked to the price of gold?
The value of the 20-franc gold coin is closely linked to the price of gold, as the coin is made predominantly of gold. If the price of gold rises, the base value of the gold coin also increases. In addition to its pure gold value, it may also have a collector's value, which depends on factors such as the year of issue, the condition, and the rarity. Particularly rare or sought-after vintages can be traded at well above their pure material value and are less susceptible to fluctuations in the price of gold.
 

What variants of the Goldvreneli are there?
There are three main types of Goldvreneli coins:

• 20 francs (1897–1949): The most widely used and globally recognized version, with approximately 58.6 million originally minted copies.
• 10 francs (1911–1922): Rarer, only about 2.6 million copies were issued over the years.
• 100 francs (1925): Very rare, only 5,000 were minted, most of which were officially melted down again. Their rarity makes the 1925 100-franc coins particularly sought after by collectors.
   

How can the authenticity and condition of a gold Vreneli be assessed?
There are various ways to assess the authenticity and condition of a gold Vreneli coin. The condition is evaluated based on factors such as wear and tear and the level of detail. The experts at SINCONA TRADING AG are happy to assist you with their expertise to help you make your assessment.
 

Warum variieren die Preise des Goldvrenelis trotz festgelegtem Goldgehalt?
Despite the fixed gold content, the prices of Goldvrenelis vary due to other factors such as condition, rarity, and demand. Coins in excellent condition or from rare years can be valued significantly above their pure gold value.
 

How can you recognize rare or valuable vintages of the Goldvreneli?
Rare or valuable vintages of the Goldvreneli can be identified based on several factors. The following factors are relevant, for example:

1. Years of issue: Some years, such as the 100 franc coin from 1925, are extremely rare and therefore particularly valuable.
2. Circulation figures: The lower the circulation of a particular year, the rarer and more valuable the coin is.
3. Condition: Coins in very good condition (e.g., “mint condition”) are usually more valuable.
4. Collector interest: Years with a special historical context or design may also be in higher demand and therefore have a higher value.
    

Our knowledgeable experts can help identify rare vintages and determine their value.

advantages

The Goldvreneli offers these advantages

• Marketability: The Goldvreneli can be easily sold or traded as it is internationally recognized.
• Long-term increase in value: Over the years, the Goldvreneli has shown a stable and continuous increase in value.
• Stable value: The Goldvreneli is made of 900 gold (21.6 carat), which makes it a stable investment.
• High profile: Switzerland's best-known and most popular collector coin, with a high profile worldwide.
• High demand: The Goldvreneli enjoys consistent and strong demand from both collectors and investors. This demand is reinforced by its historical significance, high profile, and limited mintage, making the coins a sought-after investment.

We are pleased to advise you

SINCONA TRADING AG offers you comprehensive expertise in advising on and buying and selling Goldvreneli coins. With years of experience, we are here to assist you in selecting and selling Goldvreneli coins. Feel free to visit us at our central location in Zurich for a personal consultation.

Visit us in the heart of Zurich

SINCONA TRADING AG
Limmatquai 112
CH-8001 Zurich
+41 44 215 30 90
info_at_sincona-trading.com

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Disclaimer: 
The contents of this website are for general information purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. Despite careful review, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Decisions made based on this content are made at your own risk. We accept no liability for any loss or damage that may arise from the use of this information.